URGENT UPDATE: Diego Lopes staged a thrilling comeback at Noche UFC in San Antonio, Texas, on September 16, 2023, delivering a stunning TKO victory over the rising star Jean Silva. This showdown captivated fans as Lopes (27-7) rebounded from a championship loss earlier this year, asserting his dominance in the featherweight division.
Lopes wasted no time in asserting control, achieving full mount midway through Round 1 and unleashing a flurry of elbow strikes that left Silva bloodied. Despite facing adversity for nearly two minutes, Silva (16-3) managed to regain composure and turned the fight around in Round 2, showcasing his striking skills. However, Lopes delivered a decisive blow with a spinning elbow that sent Silva to the canvas, following up with nearly two dozen unanswered punches before referee Mike Beltran intervened at 4:48.
“This game has levels: his level and high level,” Lopes declared after the match. “I’m standing at high level. I proved it tonight.”
This victory not only marks a significant comeback for Lopes but also halts Silva’s impressive 13-fight winning streak, which had been ongoing since 2018. The defeat adds to the challenges faced by Silva’s team, the Fighting Nerds, who have recently suffered multiple high-profile losses, including those of teammates Caio Borralho and Mauricio Ruffy last week.
Silva entered the octagon with a perfect UFC record of 5-0, boasting the longest active finish streak in the Octagon. He had previously tied with Ronda Rousey as the only fighters under 155 pounds to begin their UFC careers with five consecutive finishes.
Earlier in the evening, in a highly anticipated strawweight clash, Tatiana Suarez defeated Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), successfully grappling her way to victory. Suarez (11-1), currently ranked No. 5 in ESPN’s 115-pound top 10, demonstrated her prowess with multiple takedowns and an impressive 9 minutes, 34 seconds of control time. This win positions her for another title shot, especially with the current champion Zhang Weili having moved to the flyweight division.
Lemos (15-5-1), ranked fourth, struggled to find her rhythm during the fight, managing only five significant strikes in the first two rounds before a late surge in the final minute of the third round. Despite her efforts, it was not enough to secure a victory.
This year’s Noche UFC was particularly significant, commemorating Mexican Independence Day. Originally slated to take place in Mexico, the event was moved to San Antonio due to delays in constructing an arena in Guadalajara. The event, while previously intended as a numbered pay-per-view, ultimately took place as a UFC Fight Night.
As the dust settles from this electrifying event, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next moves from both Lopes and Silva. Will Lopes continue his winning streak towards a title shot? And how will Silva rebound from this setback? Stay tuned for more updates on these fighters’ journeys in the UFC.